Tourist's yoga pose at Korean palace ignites cultural debate
Photos of a tourist in tight leggings in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace in South Korea sparked a discussion on social media. The debate wasn't just about her outfit but also about the fact that she attempted handstands for several minutes.
Kieu Hoa from Hanoi shared photos online showing herself in a yoga handstand position. The photographs were taken in front of the royal palace during her visit to South Korea on 29 October. The Vietnamese tourist published the photos on 3 November, and controversy arose immediately.
The tourist was criticised
The photos were met with criticism from many social media users who described her actions as "offensive" and "inappropriate" in such an important place for Koreans. "It's a sacred place in their country, just like our Imperial City of Hue. Her behaviour is shameful," commented one user from Vietnam.
A video also appeared online showing the woman attempting to pose for the photo for several minutes.
"Publicly exposing the body in such a way is offensive and disrespectful. Moreover, this place is sacred and a symbol of South Korean tourism," wrote another person. "Rude and offensive. Such acts leave a negative impression of the Vietnamese image on foreigners," reads another comment.
The woman defended herself by stating that her actions did not violate any regulations, and the palace security did not reprimand her for doing anything inappropriate. "Everyone has their preferences, and we should respect differences," she said, considering the backlash she faced an exaggeration.
A few people stated that her yoga poses inspire exercise and self-expression, though such positive opinions were few and far between.
Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built in 1395 in northern Seoul. Over the years, it served both as the royal family's home and the government seat. Today, it is a popular tourist destination.
Currently, it houses the National Folk Museum and the National Palace Museum, as well as a beloved rental service for traditional Korean clothing. People from all over the world eagerly take photos in them.
